e-mail: keithconning@aol.com.
I have been a fan, athlete, coach, official, prep editor, author, blogger, and photographer since 1953.
I have announced the NCAA West, the Pac-12, the Stanford Invitational, the Brutus Hamilton Invitational, the Mt. SAC Relays, the North Coast Section, the Sac-Joaquin Section, and the California State High School Meet.
I have attended five Olympic Games and four World Championships.
I am a U.S. Correspondent for Track and Field News.

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Allan Lawrence 1930 - 2017

Sad news today with the passing of Australia’s dual Olympian Allan Lawrence.
Aged 86, and a resident of Houston, Texas for many decades, Lawrence passed away after a battle with Pancreatic cancer.
Born in Sydney, he won Australia’s first athletics medal at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, winning a bronze, in the 10,000 metres. You can watch a video of his bronze-medal winning race HERE.
Later in the Melbourne Games he won his 5000m heat, but sustained an injury that forced him to withdraw from the final.
In the late 50s he studied at the University of Houston where he was a sensation in cross country and indoor athletics.
He won US college (NCAA) cross country titles, set world indoor records and even won US national titles.
He was selected for the 1960 Olympics where he placed fourth in his 5000m heat and 54th in the marathon.
During his career, he broke over 10 Australian records from 2 miles to 10,000m and was the first Australian to break 14 minutes for 5000m and 30 and 29 minutes for 10,000m.
In the early ‘80s he became an American citizen and set up a successful coaching business ‘Al Lawrence Running Club’ based in Houston.
He remained in Houston until his death this week.olympics.com.au

22 February 2017 Australia debuted at the Asian Winter Games in Sapporo, Japan this week and, according to AOC President John Coates, it is just the beginning of Australia’s increasing involvement in Asia.

8 February 2017 Tokyo 2020 concluded today its first National Olympic Committee (NOC) Open Days event, hosting delegations from 13 NOCs. Their visit was aimed at reviewing and showcasing the progress made in preparations for the Games and ensuring the best possible conditions are made available for the athletes during the Tokyo 2020 Games.